Cambyses I or Cambyses the Elder (via Latin from Greek Καμβύσης; Old Persian: Kambūjiya, c. 600 BC–559 BC) was king of Anshan in Persia from c. 580 to 559 BC and the father of Cyrus the Great (Cyrus II). He should not be confused with his better-known grandson Cambyses II.

Cambyses was an early member of the Achaemenid dynasty. He was apparently a great-grandson of its founder Achaemenes, grandson of Teispes and son of Cyrus I. His paternal uncle was Ariaramnes and his first cousin was Arsames.

According to Herodotus, Cambyses was "a man of good family and quiet habits". He reigned under the overlordship of Astyages, King of Media. He was reportedly married to Princess Mandane of Media, a daughter to Astyages and Princess Aryenis of Lydia. His wife was reportedly a granddaughter to both Cyaxares of Media and Alyattes II of Lydia. The result of their marriage was the birth of his successor Cyrus the Great. According to Nicolas of Damascus his original name was Atradates, and he was wounded and later died in the Battle of the Persian Border which he, with his son, fought against Astyages. It occurred in about 551 BC, and he is reported to have received an honorable burial.

According to Herodotus, Astyages chose Cambyses as a son-in-law because he considered him to pose no threat to the Median throne. This was not the case with Cyrus the Great who would go on to depose his grandfather, and begin the Persian Empire.

Cambyses I Achaemenid dynasty Born: c. 600 BC Died: 559 BC
Preceded by Cyrus I	King of Anshan 580 BC–559 BC	Succeeded by Cyrus the Great

[edit] External links

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